When it comes to adding deep, powerful bass to your home audio system, few companies are as respected as SVS. Today we're comparing their newest flagship, the SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999), with their compact powerhouse, the SVS 3000 Micro ($699). While these subwoofers serve different purposes, understanding their strengths will help you make the right choice for your setup.
Before diving into the specifics, let's cover what makes a great subwoofer. A subwoofer's job is to reproduce the lowest frequencies in music and movies – the deep bass that you feel as much as hear. This includes everything from the lowest notes of a pipe organ to explosive sound effects in action movies.
Key factors that determine subwoofer performance include:
The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution is SVS's largest subwoofer, and it's truly massive. At 25 inches tall and nearly 30 inches deep, it weighs a hefty 165 pounds. This isn't just a big box – the size allows for a huge 17-inch driver and three 4-inch ports that help it reach incredibly low frequencies.
In contrast, the 3000 Micro is amazingly compact at just under 11 inches in each dimension. Its dual opposing 8-inch drivers are cleverly designed to cancel out vibrations, allowing placement almost anywhere without rattling furniture.
Released in early 2024, the PB17-Ultra R|Evolution represents SVS's latest technology. Its most significant improvements over the previous PB16-Ultra include:
The dual voice coil design is particularly interesting because it allows for more precise control over the massive driver, resulting in cleaner, more accurate bass. In practice, this means you'll hear individual bass notes clearly defined rather than just feeling a general rumble.
The 3000 Micro uses a different approach entirely. Its dual opposing 8-inch aluminum drivers work together to produce surprisingly deep bass from an incredibly small enclosure. While it can't match the sheer output or depth of its bigger brother, it can still handle most music and movies impressively well in small to medium-sized rooms.
For home theater, the difference between these subwoofers is most noticeable during intense action scenes. The PB17-Ultra can reproduce the lowest frequencies (down to 12Hz) at reference levels, creating that authentic theater experience where you feel every explosion and rumble.
The 3000 Micro, while still capable, focuses on frequencies above 23Hz. For most movies, this is perfectly adequate – you'll still feel the impact of explosions and enjoy musical bass lines. However, you won't get quite the same physical sensation during those ultra-low frequency effects.
For music, both subwoofers excel in different ways. The PB17-Ultra offers unmatched accuracy and power, making it ideal for large listening rooms and critical listening. Its ability to handle complex bass lines while maintaining clarity is impressive.
The 3000 Micro shines in near-field listening and smaller spaces. Its quick, tight bass response works particularly well with music genres that don't require extreme low-end extension, like rock, jazz, and most electronic music.
Both subwoofers include SVS's excellent smartphone app for control and room tuning, but the PB17-Ultra adds several premium features:
The 3000 Micro offers basic but essential controls through the app, focusing on ease of use rather than advanced tweaking.
When considering value, we need to look beyond just the price difference. The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution at $2,999 represents the pinnacle of subwoofer technology, competing with subs costing significantly more. For serious home theater enthusiasts or audiophiles with large rooms, it's actually quite reasonable given its capabilities.
The 3000 Micro at $699 offers exceptional value for those needing quality bass in a compact form factor. It's particularly impressive when you consider its build quality and advanced features like the app control and dual-driver design.
Choose the PB17-Ultra R|Evolution if:
Choose the 3000 Micro if:
Both of these subwoofers excel at what they're designed to do. The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution represents the current state of the art in home subwoofer technology, while the 3000 Micro shows just how much performance can be packed into a tiny package.
For most users, the decision will come down to room size and placement options rather than budget. If you have the space and want the ultimate in bass performance, the PB17-Ultra R|Evolution is worth every penny. If you need something more practical for everyday living spaces, the 3000 Micro delivers remarkable performance that will satisfy all but the most demanding users.
Remember that either subwoofer will be a significant upgrade to most home audio systems – the key is choosing the one that best fits your specific needs and environment.
| SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) | SVS 3000 Micro ($699) |
|---|---|
| Size - Determines placement options and room integration | |
| 25"H x 21.7"W x 29.3"D (165 lbs) | 10.9"H x 11.7"W x 12.2"D (28 lbs) |
| Frequency Response - Lower numbers mean deeper bass you can feel | |
| 12Hz-220Hz (±3dB) | 23Hz-240Hz (±3dB) |
| Amplifier Power - Determines maximum clean output and headroom | |
| 2,800W RMS (6,000W peak) | 800W RMS (2,500W peak) |
| Driver Configuration - Affects sound quality and cabinet vibration | |
| Single 17" with dual 8" voice coils | Dual opposing 8" aluminum drivers |
| Cabinet Design - Impacts bass extension and overall output | |
| Ported (three 4" ports, configurable) | Sealed (compact, easier placement) |
| Room Size Suitability - Critical for optimal performance | |
| Large rooms (>2,500 cubic feet) | Small/medium rooms (<2,000 cubic feet) |
| Advanced Features - Affect setup flexibility and fine-tuning | |
| Room correction, power conditioning, 6-band PEQ | Basic app control, crossover adjustment |
| Typical Use Case - Who it's best for | |
| Dedicated home theater, critical listening | Apartments, lifestyle systems, space-constrained setups |
The SVS PB17-Ultra R|Evolution ($2,999) is significantly better for home theater use, especially in dedicated theater rooms. Its ability to reach 12Hz with massive output makes it ideal for movie effects. The 3000 Micro ($699) works well in smaller home theaters where space is limited.
Size and output capability are the key differences. The PB17-Ultra is a large, powerful subwoofer designed for maximum performance, while the 3000 Micro prioritizes compact size and placement flexibility.
Yes, the 3000 Micro handles most movie content well in small to medium rooms. However, it won't reproduce the deepest bass effects below 23Hz that the PB17-Ultra R|Evolution can deliver.
The 3000 Micro is ideal for apartment use due to its compact size and sealed design. The PB17-Ultra would likely be too powerful and large for most apartment situations.
The PB17-Ultra R|Evolution performs best in rooms larger than 2,500 cubic feet. For smaller rooms, the 3000 Micro is more appropriate.
Both work well for music, but in different ways. The PB17-Ultra offers reference-level accuracy and depth, while the 3000 Micro provides tight, controlled bass that works well in smaller spaces.
For even bass distribution, dual subwoofers are beneficial. Two 3000 Micros ($1,398) might be preferable to one PB17-Ultra ($2,999) in some rooms, especially if space is limited.
The 3000 Micro is easier to position and set up due to its size and simpler controls. The PB17-Ultra offers more advanced setup options but requires more expertise to optimize.
Yes, both the PB17-Ultra R|Evolution and 3000 Micro work with any modern AV receiver using either LFE or stereo RCA connections.
Both are built to last many years, with SVS offering a 5-year warranty. The technology in both is current, with the PB17-Ultra released in 2024 featuring the latest advances.
The PB17-Ultra can be too powerful for small rooms, but both subwoofers have adjustable volume and DSP controls to match your space. The 3000 Micro is easier to integrate in smaller rooms.
If you have a dedicated theater room and the budget, the PB17-Ultra R|Evolution delivers substantially better performance that justifies its price. For smaller rooms or mixed-use spaces, the 3000 Micro offers excellent value.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: svsound.com - skybygramophone.com - abt.com - youtube.com - audioholics.com - listenup.com - crutchfield.com - audioadvice.com - svsound.com - worldwidestereo.com - bhphotovideo.com - musicdirect.com - avsforum.com - svsound.com - avsforum.com - enjoythemusic.com - crutchfield.com - youtube.com - musicdirect.com - svsound.com - svsound.com
